Ellington

Walter Ned Douglas Tinlin, 91

Walter Ned Douglas Tinlin was born on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 1926, to Agnes Sterns Tinlin and Walter Douglas Tinlin. He lived on Wind Mountain in Home Valley, Washington, with his parents and sister Margaret, until his father’s death when Walter was 11. At that time, the family moved to the Portland area to be close to extended family.

Mabel A. Johnson, 90

Mabel A. Johnson, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Feb. 25, 2017, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Man visited by 'beer'glar

The alleged victim of an attempted burglary called the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to his home, claiming he was sure someone had tried to break into his house the night before. Authorities were unable to find any evidence of a break-in other than a lone beer can left on the resident’s doorstep.

Applications now available for campus housing

Flathead Valley Community College has begun to collect applications for its first on-campus student housing. At the same time, the college has recorded another slight enrollment increase this spring.

Bobby 'Bob' G. Hand, 84

Bobby “Bob” Gene Hand passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 18, 2017. After a spirited fight he succumbed to heart failure.

Kalispell woman killed in Ronan crash

Authorities have identified Kalispell resident Cheryl Ann Brown as the woman killed in a collision with a school bus north of Ronan on U.S. 93 Monday morning.

Whitefish lifts boil water advisory

Whitefish lifted its boil water advisory at 9 a.m. Tuesday after tests showed the city’s water supply was safe to drink.

Kalispell Senior Center opens doors of new art facility

The Kalispell Senior Center has opened the doors to its Art Program facility. Though the program’s space is new, organizers say the goal remains the same: offer affordable art lessons to seniors in the Flathead Valley.

Kalispell plans major water main work this summer

The city of Kalispell plans to replace a section of water main and reconstruct the street on Fourth Avenue East this summer.

Vals, Vikes lose challenge hoop games

RONAN — Florence used a fast start and the scoring power of Danielle Zahn to drop Bigfork in a Western B girls divisional basketball challenge game Monday evening 65-59 at the Ronan Events Center.

Canine kiss ends in quarantine

After a kiss gone wrong, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office placed a Yorkie on house arrest for allegedly biting a 13-year-old boy on the mouth. The boy was treated for the bite wound and had no other injuries.

United to add round-trip daily flight to San Francisco

United Airlines is expanding its service to

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Water main break hampers Whitefish

Boil water order in effect

Kalispell home to many black standout athletes

Major League Baseball didn’t see desegregation until 1947. The National Football League had some black players before 1933, but from 1934 until 1946, the leagues followed a whites-only policy. Even the NBA kept blacks out until 1950.

Gibbs family was 'almost an institution' in Kalispell

When Howard and Leona Gibbs decided to move their family from Kalispell to Spokane in 1971, the community felt the loss deeply.

Kalispell council mulls business district, dog park

The Kalispell City Council takes on two big local issues at tonight’s work session — a plan to expand the city’s Business Improvement District and further discussion about the proposed Begg Park Dog Park.

Access a concern in race-track zone change

Citing concerns about highway access and the future character of the neighborhood, Flathead County commissioners on Thursday tabled a zoning request that would set the stage for a 57-lot subdivision near Raceway Park.

Will Legislature step up to the plate and take a swing?

It seems certain our current legislative session will confirm the fact that Montana will remain in the backwaters of political thought for the foreseeable future. Many states have embraced new approaches to the governance of their respective states in the form of job creation and for exercising their own opinion and authority in the governance of respective locales. However, Montana seems doomed to repeat the same old prescribed legislative dance to the same old worn-out tune.

Longtimers, news archives recall Kalispell's early black community

Some of Kalispell’s earliest black residents were born into slavery before they later made their way to Montana after the Civil War.

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Do you live in Montana and earn over $400,000 or $ 500,000 a year? Well, neither do I, but if we did we would be feeling so relieved! Why, you may ask. Because the House Taxation Committee defeated a measure to raise our taxes. Thank goodness!

Black history project underway at Central School museum

Kimberly Pinter, office manager at the Museum at Central School in Kalispell, has embarked on a project to document the history of the Flathead Valley’s early black families.

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Do you live in Montana and earn over $400,000 or $ 500,000 a year? Well, neither do I, but if we did we would be feeling so relieved! Why, you may ask. Because the House Taxation Committee defeated a measure to raise our taxes. Thank goodness!

It's past time to fight dangerous drugs

February 2017 and the fate of the Flathead

In early November, state officials announced the first documented presence of zebra and quagga mussels in Montana, after positive tests at sites in the Missouri River system.

A country at war

Yep, it’s a second revolution, and it’s long overdue

I don’t know about you, but I am so fed up with all this namby-pamby tears-in-the-eye nonsense about all these poor refugees!

Stillwater girls fall to Foothills in MCAA state title game

GREAT FALLS — Stillwater Christian School fell behind early and never recovered in falling to Foothills Community Christian School (Great Falls) 54-34 in the championship game at the Montana Christian Athletic Association state girls basketball tournament on Saturday at Great Falls Central High School.

'Kats koast to Western A title

HAMILTON — The Columbia Falls girls made quick work of Corvallis in the championship game at the Western A divisional basketball tournament on Saturday at Hamilton High School, winning 71-40 to enter the Class A state tournament with the West’s top seed.

Johnson, Meredith help Bravettes upset Sentinel

The Daily Inter Lake

BNSF hiring again in Montana

After a two-year period without hiring in the Flathead Valley, BNSF Railway now has positions available.

Bill seeks to charge doctors assisting in suicides

Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would criminalize physicians for helping terminally-ill patients die.

Venus Gloria Guest, 91

Venus Gloria Guest, 91, of Kalispell, died Feb. 22, 2017, in Oregon.

Al Lauckner, 73

Al Lauckner, 73, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at Deaconness Medical Center in Spokane with his family at his side.

Pamela Christine Schreckendgust Derrickson Howe, 61

Pam passed away on Feb. 17, 2017, after a lengthy battle with heart disease with her family at her side.

Ronald Eugene Zabel, 70

Ronald Eugene Zabel, 70, passed away at his home Feb. 22, after a hard fought battle with plasma cell leukemia.

Flossie Ann Elizabeth Uskoski, 84

Flossie Ann Elizabeth Uskoski was born on July 17, 1932, to John and Mildred Sarkinen in Gackle, North Dakota.

Evelyn 'Louise' Grothe Woodring, 88

Evelyn “Louise” Grothe Woodring, born March 3, 1928, in Hugoton, Kansas, to Robert Grothe and Maude Mae (Hawk) Grothe, “left this Earth” on Feb. 20, 2017, at 7:11 a.m. at her home in Kalispell.

Opal Theresia Lynch, 94

Opal Theresia Lynch passed away on Feb. 23, 2017, at her home in Madison, Ohio, after her battle with Alzheimer’s.

Lynn Marie (Lethert) Dukelow, 75

Lynn Marie (Lethert) Dukelow, 75, of Somers, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home of natural causes on Dec. 15, 2016.

Robert 'Bob' Arthur Lucke, 61

Robert “Bob” Arthur Lucke passed on Feb. 16, 2017, at the age of 61, in a cycling accident in Tucson, Arizona.

Daniel C. Bush, 63

Daniel C. Bush, 63, ended his journey in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jan. 30, 2017, after a long and difficult illness. Family members were able to care for him until his last day, as was his wish. His son, Jeffrey, provided the major portion of his care.

Noisy neighbors tune down subwoofers

Whitefish Police Department received a noise complaint from a caller on Montana Avenue, whose neighbors had allegedly been been playing loud music. The caller stated that they had “very loud subwoofers” and a “very loud bass.” Officers made contact with the caller’s neighbors and they agreed to keep the music down.

Accident photos are big responsibility; so is freedom

One of the hardest things to do in the news business is explain to a family member why a photograph of a gory accident scene ran in the newspaper, especially if someone died in the crash.

'Black in the Flathead': The evolution of a DIL news project

One year ago in January, I was a guest in the Museum at Central School’s John White Speakers Series, where I participated in a panel discussion on “Flathead News.”

School calendar

• The Kalispell Mini Maker Faire will be will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in the Expo Building. For more information visit http://kalispell.makerfaire.com/.

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Truth in the Word ministries will offer weekly Sunday services at 10 a.m. in the conference room below Sykes Diner beginning March 5.

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Truth in the Word ministries will offer weekly Sunday services at 10 a.m. in the conference room below Sykes Diner beginning March 5.

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Truth in the Word ministries will offer weekly Sunday services at 10 a.m. in the conference room below Sykes Diner beginning March 5.

Smith pushes Stillwater girls to MCAA title game

The Daily Inter Lake

Polson boys, C-Falls girls clinch spots for Class A state hoops

The Daily Inter Lake

Making way for 'makerspaces'

Schools and libraries around the valley are increasingly setting aside room for “makerspaces” where students can tinker, innovate, design, create and build.

FVCC grad making waves with chemistry invention

A Flathead Valley Community College graduate has tweaked the designs of a $30,000 chemistry machine to make a similar product for less than $100. Now, he’s hoping the tool can get in the hands of citizen scientists across the globe.

Starting Sunday, the Inter Lake presents a look at the black community in the Flathead's early years

As Black History Month concludes, the Daily Inter Lake presents an in-depth look Sunday and Monday at how black families have played an important role in the Flathead since the pioneer days.

MacKenzie River Pizza expands to South Dakota

WHITEFISH — The Glacier Restaurant Group continues to expand its Montana-themed MacKenzie River Pizza Grill Pub with franchise partners Colin Higgins and Mark Thompson’s new location in Rapid City, S.D.

Creative hiring solutions for worker shortage

As employers are faced with the challenge of finding workers in what the state Department of Labor and Industry has described as a “looming workforce shortage,” elderly workers, people with disabilities and felons are being considered to fill in the gap.

Painting parties take hold in the Flathead

Imagine a typical high school or college art class. It could be any medium — painting, drawing, sculpting — the basic principle is the same. A professor gives instruction on how to create a work of art, lecturing as he or she adds a line here and some color there. Students do their best to follow the instructions, and maybe some succeed, while others might only receive a passing grade.

Secretary of State, GOP chair oppose mail-in ballot

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's secretary of state and the chairman of the state Republican party oppose a mail-in ballot for an expected special election to replace U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, saying that while it would save counties money it would give Democrats an advantage.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoes 2 gun bills

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed his first two bills of the legislative session on Thursday, one that would have allowed guns in post offices and another that would have eliminated the need for concealed weapons permits.

83-mile Flathead Classic sled dog races this weekend

Twenty-one years ago, he thinks, Steve Riggs was flipping through the Thrifty Nickel and saw an advertisement for a used dog sled.

Highway resurfacing projects proposed

The state highway department is proposing to resurface an 11-mile stretch of the Swan Highway in 2019.

Whitefish home-schooler glides to county spelling bee championship

It was a swift win for home-schooled eighth-grader Hope Compton who became the Flathead County Spelling Bee champion Thursday.

James Craig Bartlett, 67

One month shy of his 68th birthday, James Craig Bartlett passed away on Feb. 21, 2017. He collapsed with liver cancer and went so fast and too soon.

Jerry Robert Johnston. 66

Jerry Robert Johnston, known by many of his family and friends as “JJ,” passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 from esophageal cancer.

Eileen M. Morey, 85

Eileen M. Morey, 85, of Libby, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at home. She was with family and friends and will be missed for a lifetime.

Felony charges considered in animal cruelty case

A 70-year-old Creston woman could be facing felony and misdemeanor cruelty to animal charges after 37 dogs were seized from her property.

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Most of the actors in “The Neverending Story,” the latest production from the Whitefish Theatre Co. that opens this weekend at the O’Shaughnessy Center, weren’t even born when the surreal fantasy tale first came to the big screen in 1984.

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Most of the actors in “The Neverending Story,” the latest production from the Whitefish Theatre Co. that opens this weekend at the O’Shaughnessy Center, weren’t even born when the surreal fantasy tale first came to the big screen in 1984.

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Portrait artist offering spring classes

Diana Neville Knowles is planning her 2017 spring portraiture workshops in the Flathead Valley.

Just for Fun

Since it’s beginning to look like I may be writing this column for a while, maybe it’s time to be clear what I’m writing about.

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Crown Guitar Festival sets lineup

It’s the eighth year for the Crown Guitar Workshop and Festival, scheduled to take over Bigfork from Aug. 27 through Sept. 2.

Take it from Bonsai: Vinyl isn't dead ... yet

The term “spinning wax” goes all the way back to the invention of recorded audio in the 1880s and Thomas Edison’s phonograph with its wax cylinders as a recording medium. German inventor Emile Berliner would kill the phonograph with his gramophone, which used a flat disc instead of a cylinder, and in 1940 vinyl would become the dominant format.

Auditions for 'Love Song' Feb. 27-28 in Whitefish

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a Black Curtain theatre production of “Love Song,” Feb. 27 and 28 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. each night.

Flathead grinds by Glacier

By JOSEPH TERRY

Braves close out Wolfpack

By JOSEPH TERRY

Divisional Hoops Troy girls trip Loyola

RONAN — Allie Coldwell scored 21 of her game-high 31 points in the opening half as Troy rolled past Missoula Loyola 67-47 in first-day action at the Western B divisional girls basketball tournament on Thursday at the Ronan Events Center.

Flathead's gym brings its own charm

There’s nothing quite like it.

Polson boys crush Corvallis in Western A opener

HAMILTON — Polson got off to a fast start in its 65-47 win over Corvallis in the first round at the Western A Divisional basketball tournament on Tuesday at Hamilton High School.

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Shelter takes in 37 seized dogs

Nearly 40 dogs paced the cages of the Flathead County Animal Shelter on Wednesday morning. The shelter operator said that up until last week, the animals had lived in their own feces.

Keith Clement Schauf, 71

Keith Clement Schauf, 71, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Annabel 'Ann' Messing, 93

Annabel “Ann” Messing, 93, passed away Jan. 22, 2017, at the BeeHive Home in Columbia Falls.

Donald James Nelson, 69

Donald James Nelson, 69, of Whitefish, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, on Feb. 17, 2017, from complications following a motor vehicle accident in Thailand.

Leona “Lee” (Campbell) Byington, 86

Leona “Lee” (Campbell) Byington, 86, of Whitefish, passed away Feb. 17, 2017.

Sen. Daines touts Supreme Court nominee amid protesters

HELENA (AP) — U.S. Sen. Steve Daines arrived Wednesday at the Montana state Capitol to tout the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court and found himself surrounded by a swarm of demonstrators demanding the senator convene a town hall.

3-vehicle crash blocks U.S. 93 near Somers

A three-vehicle wreck on U.S. 93 south of Somers blocked traffic around the west side of Flathead Lake for a few hours Wednesday afternoon.

Wolfpack can't hold Sentinel

The Glacier girls roared back after a slow start against top-ranked Missoula Sentinel, holding the lead late before the Spartans pulled out a narrow victory on Tuesday in a Western AA conference game at Glacier High School.

Glacier boys shoot past Spartans, secure top seed

The Daily Inter Lake

Police informed of potty emergency

A 6-year-old called the Kalispell Police Department to report that he had “leaked his pants” and “couldn’t go to the potty.” The child informed dispatch that they could not speak to his dad.

Margaret Marie 'Sis' Truax, 76

Margaret Marie “Sis” Truax passed away on Feb. 7, 2017.

Marion D. Howe, 82

Marion D. Howe, aka James Virgil Howe, was born June 5, 1934.

Betty L. (Crowder) Mann, 86

Betty L. (Crowder) Mann was born in Sun Prairie, south of Malta on March 13, 1930.

Violet Elizabeth Olsen, 96

Violet was born in Schuyler, Nebraska, to Czechoslovakian parents Adolph and Ann Novak, who were also born in Schuyler. Together with her older brother Orville and younger sister Loretta

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• ImagineIF Libraries board meets at 9 a.m., meeting room, Kalispell. Call Kim Crowley, 758-5826.

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• ImagineIF Libraries board meets at 9 a.m., meeting room, Kalispell. Call Kim Crowley, 758-5826.

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• ImagineIF Libraries board meets at 9 a.m., meeting room, Kalispell. Call Kim Crowley, 758-5826.

Schools project lower tax burden

With a sale of some or all school district bonds planned in March, Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau said the cost to taxpayers is now projected to be lower than initial estimates based on current interest rates.

Charles F. 'Chuck' Spindler, 81

Charles F. “Chuck” Spindler passed away Feb. 18, 2017, at his home in Stevensville with family at his side.

Dorothy Jean (Jacquemart) Lyon, 86

Dorothy Jean (Jacquemart) Lyon, better known as “Jeannie” or “Jeannie Pie,” decided her time on Earth was done on Feb. 16, 2017 at her home in Kalispell, leaving to join the love of her life, John, her family and by countless friends she has not seen in a long time. Jeannie will be missed by many.

James F. 'Jimmy' Gerrity, 53

James F. “Jimmy” Gerrity, 53, of Polson, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, doing what he loved, loading logging trucks in the woods.

Windshield damaged by angry owner

A man was reportedly seen slumped over in the front seat of a car with bullet holes in the windshield. The Whitefish Police Department responded and found that the man was fine. The man told officers that he had gotten frustrated with his car while previously out in the woods and put the bullet holes in the vehicle himself.

NRA: Confirmation of Ryan Zinke a sound move for hunters

The 5 million men and women of the National Rifle Association are eager to see Rep. Ryan Zinke confirmed as the 52nd secretary of the Interior. His confirmation will mark the end of an era of hostility toward hunters and sportsmen at the Interior Department.

Can we now have a national debate about abortion?

With the ubiquitous fury of the most divisive and consequential election since 1860 behind us, perhaps we may pose some questions to ourselves.

Zinke needs to remember the wildlife

I wrote to Ryan Zinke to congratulate him on his many successes in life, especially the latest pending appointment and congressional acceptance as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior ... which includes eight different resource agencies, excluding only the Forest Service (which is under the Department of Agriculture). Zinke will rule it all. He will be in charge of everything of interest to me in my world. He wrote back thanking me.

Legislator: Bridge and Road Safety bill will fix problem

I’ve spent three decades involved in improving public safety. The people that know me recognize it remains one of the great passions in my life. It’s that passion that has driven me in my life as a police officer, as a community volunteer and in my role in our Legislature.

Tracking stolen property makes sense

Sheriff Chuck Curry last week presented the Flathead County commissioners with the draft of an ordinance that would require pawn shops within the county to use online software to connect their inventory to the Sheriff’s Office.

Zinke's delayed confirmation n Approval is considered inevitable, put politics has vote on hold

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The Republican members of Congress are falling all over themselves in the rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act that was instituted in 2010. They promise that the 20 million previously uninsured Americans who have health coverage through this act will have an equivalent health program available to them. To date there is no replacement program — this even though the Republican Party has had six years to develop one.

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The Republican members of Congress are falling all over themselves in the rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act that was instituted in 2010. They promise that the 20 million previously uninsured Americans who have health coverage through this act will have an equivalent health program available to them. To date there is no replacement program — this even though the Republican Party has had six years to develop one.

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The Republican members of Congress are falling all over themselves in the rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act that was instituted in 2010. They promise that the 20 million previously uninsured Americans who have health coverage through this act will have an equivalent health program available to them. To date there is no replacement program — this even though the Republican Party has had six years to develop one.

7B Hoops Bigfork boys, Troy girls take tourney titles

EUREKA —Beau Santistevan carried the offensive load for Bigfork, scoring a game-high 32 points as the Vikings edged Thompson Falls 69-66 in the District 7B boys basketball championship game on Saturday evening.

Hellgate upsets Glacier

Missoula Hellgate found a way to limit Glacier on the court, handing the Wolfpack its first loss in nearly two months in a 67-56 Western AA boys basketball game on Saturday afternoon at Glacier High School.

Glacier's Hill wins 3,200 at Simplot Games

POCATELLO, Idaho — Glacier junior Annie Hill used a dramatic final kick to pass a pair of runners on the hometretch, winning the 3,200-meter run at the Simplot Games on Saturday at Holt Arena on the campus of Idaho State University.

President's soft on Russia, hard on press? Must be FDR

Hospitals rebuke idea of imposing pricing regs

In the wave of rising health-care costs, one Montana legislator is taking the state’s hospitals to task for having too much control and too little competition. This week, he told lawmakers in Helena that pricing regulations might be the fix.

Woodturners demonstrate their craft

Local woodturners demonstrated their craft Saturday at Kalispell Center Mall, turning wood on lathes set up to show how pieces are made, and displaying their work for passersby to admire.

100 DAYS OF SOLITUDE

Whither the wandering soul, be she moose or man?

Helen Amelia (Demarest) Weber, 100

Helen Amelia (Demarest) Weber was born in Great Falls on Nov. 29, 1916, to Harry and Amelia (Brown) Demarest.

Richard Curtis Lindsay, 83

Richard Curtis Lindsay died of natural causes at his home in Kalispell on Jan. 15, 2017.

Ida A. Knutson, 96

Ida was born Feb. 24, 1920, at home near Proctor. Her father, Peder Underdal, came to America in 1901 from Norway, going back in 1906 to get his soon-to-be wife.

Riley Gordon Childers, 73

Riley Gordon Childers, 73, of Bigfork, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in Kalispell.

Billie Jean (Munson) Horn, 72

Billie Jean (Munson) Horn, of Spokane Valley, Washington, passed peacefully in her home in Kalispell on Feb. 13, 2017 after a long illness.

Roberta Carol (Herriges) Rocks, 76

On Dec. 9, 2016, after a long battle with cancer, Roberta Carol (Herriges) Rocks, age 76, died peacefully in her home, with family by her side.

Loretta Jean Scovel Fidler, 90

Loretta Jean Scovel Fidler, 90, died Feb. 4, 2017, in her home of 56 years, Scottsdale, Arizona, of natural causes.

Intoxicated man 'stumbles' downtown

Officers with the Whitefish Police Departmet were unable to located an intoxicated pedestrian who was reporteldy seen on Highway 93 South. A local business manager called to report the man after he had allegedly walked into the business carrying a bottle of alcohol. When asked to leave, the man reportedly chugged the entire bottle before “stumbling” toward downtown.

John Endsley, 73

John “Little John” Endsley was “called to Our Lord” on Feb. 15, 2017.

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Angel Roger Tipton, son of Michael Thomas Tipton and Edna Yarneth Garavito, was born Nov. 19 at North Valley Hospital.

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Angel Roger Tipton, son of Michael Thomas Tipton and Edna Yarneth Garavito, was born Nov. 19 at North Valley Hospital.

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Angel Roger Tipton, son of Michael Thomas Tipton and Edna Yarneth Garavito, was born Nov. 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Allen R. 'Bud' Meek, 87

Allen R. “Bud” Meek of Bigfork, passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 6, 2017 at the age of 87.

Montana art exhibit reveals life with drug addiction

Words of former drug addicts, their witnesses and family members, are hanging on the walls of Flathead Valley Community College this month.

Man gets 40 years for Arlee murder

POLSON — The murder case involving a couple who lived for months with the body of a dead relative hidden inside their Arlee trailer came to a close in Lake County District Court Wednesday in Polson, with the husband receiving a 40-year prison sentence.

Rusty screwdriver worries woman

A woman reported a rust-covered screwdriver to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. An officer disposed of the screwdriver.

Man denies assault on partner, child

A Kalispell man has denied allegations that he beat his partner unconscious and assaulted a 7-year-old child.

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Vikes, Vals in title games in 7B tourney play

The Daily Inter Lake

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Kehr, Columbia Falls girls roll past Whitefish

COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls dominated on senior night, beating Whitefish 80-11 in a Northwest A girls basketball game on Thursday at Larry Schmautz Memorial Gym.

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‘Bleed Blue’ assembly

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‘Bleed Blue’ assembly

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‘Bleed Blue’ assembly

James Michael Gibson, 61

James Michael “Mike” Gibson, 61, of Columbia Falls, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in his home surrounded by his loved ones after a hard fought battle with cancer.

James A. Cranmer, 90

James A. Cranmer, 90, of Great Falls, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, at a local care facility.

TIF districts are valuable tool for cities

We were glad to see opposition out in force to House Bill 359, which would needlessly cripple city governments that use tax-increment finance districts as a means of funding renewal and redevelopment projects.

THE SWEETEST SLEDDING SPOTS One benefit of this extra-white winter: Plenty of spots to go slip-sliding down some well-packed snow. Here are some of Northwest Montana's best spots

One benefit of this extra-white winter: Plenty of spots to go slip-sliding down some well-packed snow.

Whitefish Review celebrates 10-year anniversary

The Whitefish Review’s 20th issue, “Out of Time,” will be released Saturday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. with a party at Casey’s Pub and Grill in Whitefish.

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While attending the County Planning Board public hearing on short-term rentals on Feb. 8, Mr. Sirucek, a member of the county planning board, addressed Mayre Flowers, the executive director of Citizens for a Better Flathead, regarding the timing of her comment submissions to the board regarding short term rentals. These comments were sent to the board two days before the meeting.

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'Murder on the Nile'

After more than two seasons of focusing exclusively on comedy, the Bigfork Community Players stretch their reach this month with a murder mystery, Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile,” with six performances beginning Friday at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

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While attending the County Planning Board public hearing on short-term rentals on Feb. 8, Mr. Sirucek, a member of the county planning board, addressed Mayre Flowers, the executive director of Citizens for a Better Flathead, regarding the timing of her comment submissions to the board regarding short term rentals. These comments were sent to the board two days before the meeting.

Bumps in the road: Trump vs. Obama

The resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn has the anti-Trump media declaring the new administration a “mess,” in “turmoil” and thrown into “chaos.”

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Children's auditions open for Bigfork's 'Friday Knight Fever'

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater invites students in grades five through 12 to audition, Tuesday, Feb. 21, for the cast of the retro musical “Friday Knight Fever.”

Epperly to be inducted in coaches' hall of fame

The Daily Inter Lake

Treasure state basketball hits homestretch

With all the success of the first two state tournaments of the winter, why not get ready for a few more?

Paul David Holmquist, 89

Paul David Holmquist was born at home on the farm in Kalispell on June 28, 1927. He was the seventh child out of eleven siblings.

James Michael Gibson, 61

James Michael “Mike” Gibson, 61, of Columbia Falls, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in his home surrounded by his loved ones after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Senate OKs bill to change net metering reimbursement rate

A bill aiming to change the rate at which solar and other “net metering” utility customers are reimbursed for their excess wattage received preliminary approval from the Montana Senate Wednesday.

Blaze rips through Evergreen equipment shop

A construction equipment shop in Evergreen suffered extensive damage Wednesday in an early morning structure fire that temporarily shut down U.S. 2.

Troy boys top Eureka in District 7B play-in

EUREKA — Troy hit 11 3-pointers in a hot-shooting performance to beat Eureka 65-60 on Tuesday in a District 7B boys basketball play-in game.

Donna Kurtz, 55

Donna (Udell) Kurtz, 55, passed away Jan. 24, 2017 at her home in Somers due to cancer.

William 'Bill' Stephen Sullivan, 78

Bill was born Feb. 25, 1938, in Santa Monica, California, to Johnny and Charlene Sullivan. He entered the Army after high school and served in Berlin, Germany, from 1956 to 1958. Upon returning to the states he attended San Jose State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

Beulah Robertson Clothier, 96

Beulah Robertson Clothier of Kalispell passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 8, 2017, just one week short of her 97th birthday.

Paul David Holmquist, 89

Paul David Holmquist, 89, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Feb. 5, 2017.

Inez Brown, 92

Inez Brown passed away Feb. 10, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54

Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell surrounded by his loving family.

Acclaimed nature photographer dies

World-renowned wildlife photographer Tom Ulrich of West Glacier died Friday at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri, from a rare form of leukemia.

Local students qualify for national speech and debate

Fifteen speech and debate competitors from three local high schools have qualified to compete nationally.

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Angels come in all shapes and sizes. Mine came today in the shape of a large white diesel truck with a plow blade attached to the front. I am 65 and work full-time. I didn’t have time to clear my driveway after the snowstorms, rain and subsequent freezing. There was a two-foot ice-boulder berm that I was chopping away at for six hours when this young couple pulled up and asked if I needed help.

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Angels come in all shapes and sizes. Mine came today in the shape of a large white diesel truck with a plow blade attached to the front. I am 65 and work full-time. I didn’t have time to clear my driveway after the snowstorms, rain and subsequent freezing. There was a two-foot ice-boulder berm that I was chopping away at for six hours when this young couple pulled up and asked if I needed help.

FVCC announces Senior Institute program details

Flathead Valley Community College is still accepting participants into this year’s Senior Institute program.

Whitefish schools receive grants

Whitefish High School and middle school will benefit from two grants and a donation totaling $50,000.

People First join art students to spread the love

On Monday, People First of Kalispell member Joe Bennett dipped a paintbrush into blue watercolor and painted against a block of red onto wet paper creating a diffused and striking effect.

Locals use web to look for love

A new survey names Montana as the fourth best state in the country for singles. When the survey landed on my desk, I wanted to test the results by chatting with people actively trying to flirt, date and love in the Flathead.

Board favors West Valley zone change

A proposal to change the zoning on 200 acres of West Valley farmland to suburban agricultural zoning won a favorable recommendation from the Flathead County Planning Board last week.

'Mr. A' makes it all worthwhile

Going to the principal’s office is usually a good thing at Peterson Elementary.

Design options narrowed for courthouse couplet

A four-lane highway design identified 23 years ago as the preferred alternative for the U.S. 93 couplet around the Flathead County Courthouse continues to be among the top design options, a traffic engineer said Feb. 9.

Jail reimbursement bill hits roadblock

A proposal to force the Montana Department of Corrections to reimburse county jails housing state prisoners at their true cost was tabled by a budget committee Wednesday, despite overwhelming support from the state House on a preliminary vote.

Fake deputy tries to scam woman

Kalispell Police took a complaint on Saturday afternoon from a woman who said she had received a scam call from someone pretending to be a deputy with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. The fake officer told the woman, “Listen to me closely... You are in trouble for not showing up for jury duty.” The caller ID showed that the call originated in Three Forks.

FVCC supports bill to allow bonding authority

A Kalispell lawmaker is proposing a bill that would allow community colleges to operate on the same terms as universities when they seek funding for building projects.

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Flathead grapplers back on top

BILLINGS — It wasn’t perfect, but the Flathead wrestling team clinched its first state championship since 2010 on Saturday, despite going winless in the finals.

Perfect season for Graves; Eureka wins 1st state title

BILLINGS — It’s been a year of longshots for Eureka’s Garrett Graves. And the Lions senior has been deft at finding a timely Hail Mary.

Whitefish girls state A swim champions

GREAT FALLS — Whitefish, led by Caroline Dye and Annie Sullivan, won the Class A girls state swim title on Saturday afternoon at Bill Swarthout Field.

Braves battle back to beat Bruins, 54-44

Flathead battled back from a slow start to upend Helena Capital 54-44 in a Western AA boys basketball contest on Saturday afternoon at Flathead High School.

Liberals need to toughen up and take it

By DOUG ADAMS

Sheriff proposes county pawn ordinance

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry on Thursday presented a draft pawnbroker ordinance to the county commissioners that aims to help law-enforcement officers recover stolen property.

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This is the first of 10 amendments to the Constitution passed by Congress on Sept. 25, 1789.

Pruitt: EPA and/or bust

Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted on President Trump’s nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency — Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

Water bottling plant raises numerous concerns

My name is Jerry Williams and I live in Columbia Falls. Last night I attended a meeting at Flathead High School conducted by Water for Flathead’s Future in opposition to the water bottling plant proposed in the Creston area.

Trump may just ignite a revolution

Viva la revolucion! The GOP is playing with fire in their mad dash to one-party rule, as an obscenely wealthy donor class happily gums up the works with wads of greasy cash.

Stand with Montana: Confirm Scott Pruitt

The new year and new administration in Washington, D.C., offer new opportunities for Montana. Perhaps the most important of these is the chance for Montana to once again chart its own energy future. That opportunity to regain control starts with President Trump’s choice as head of the EPA, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

Library eyes two potential building sites

ImagineIF Library in Kalispell has identified two potential future sites for a new library — both along the railroad tracks that one day will become an urban trail — and is working with Montana West Economic Development on grant funding for a feasibility study.

New home for MT Historical Society just makes sense

Gov. Steve Bullock’s request to the current Legislature to expand and upgrade the 65-year-old Montana Historical Society facility has been misrepresented by some as unneeded “pork.” This characterization is both wrong and ridiculous. Fortunately, however, members of both political parties recognize the real and critical need to care for and provide access to priceless collections belonging to the people of Montana and provide economic development ongoing — jobs during construction and development of enhanced tourism dollars in the future.

911 funding remains critical

Some important local issues seem to linger unresolved for decades. The Kalispell bypass was one, and the courthouse couplet is another, but as important as those have been to the character and development of our community, they were not life-and-death issues.

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This is the first of 10 amendments to the Constitution passed by Congress on Sept. 25, 1789.

Final easements secured for Foy's to Blacktail Trail

The Flathead County commissioners on Feb. 9 approved permanent public trail easements that will set the stage for completion of the Foy’s to Blacktail Trail from Herron Park to Lakeside.

Trump and FDR: Precedents for a brash president

It’s no wonder that President Trump has been rebuked and challenged by those on the left for his unprecedented mix of brash outspokenness, stubborn determination to remake America, overweening confidence in his own abilities, and willingness to counterpunch when attacked.

Love is all you need

“Love letters” can take many forms — handwritten, scented and postmarked. A small note tucked into a bouquet. An emoji-laced text message. A heart traced in the steam on the bathroom mirror.

Choir's crooning raises money for adoptions

Members of the Heritage Learning Homeschool Academy choir are counting on love come Valentine’s Day.

Home prices surge in 2016; another good year on tap

The Flathead Valley real-estate market is poised to see another strong year for sales and new development after home prices surged in 2016, according to a recent report from Kelley Appraisal in Kalispell.

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Sliding, tumbling down Sugar Hill

Competitors lined up their barstools, bouncy horses, outhouses and hot rods at the top of Main Street in Martin City for the 39th annual barstool races Saturday.

Lola V. Smith, 99

Lola Vernice Conover Smith, 99, passed away Feb. 2, 2017.

Helen Irene Jacquemart Schnee, 86

Helen Irene Jacquemart Schnee passed away on Nov. 30, 2016, in Shelby, surrounded by her family.

Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54

Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell surrounded by his loving family.

Michael Lee Newgard, 68

Michael “Mike” Lee Newgard was born July 12, 1948, to Leland and Neva Jones Newgard in St. Ignatius. He grew up and attended schools in Polson, graduating from Polson High School in 1966.

Dogs reported for 'serial pooping'

Dogs were reportedly defecating on a bike path and on residential properties, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office report. Owners of the alleged serial poopers were given copies of the city’s dog ordinance by the property’s landlord.

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Prepping for the prom

Amie Bartell and Anne Trout were mere hours from walking down the red carpet, so naturally they were seated inside their salon.

County board tables controversial proposal

A zoning proposal to regulate short-term rental housing throughout much of Flathead County was tabled Wednesday by the Planning Board following an exhaustive public hearing that included testimony from both supporters and opponents.

Council delays vote on district boundaries

Kalispell City Council Feb. 6 delayed a planned vote on its business improvement district after council member Phil Guiffrida stated the meeting materials prepared by city staff did not address questions and comments raised during a public hearing last month.

Lakeside home destroyed in blaze

Residents managed to escape uninjured as their home in Lakeside was destroyed by a fire reported at 8:16 p.m. on Thursday.

Passenger attempts dare-devil jump

The passenger of a vehicle that was described as being “all over the road” allegedly attempted to jump out of the car while it was still moving, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The driver of the vehicle allegedly pulled the passenger back into the car before tuning into a fast food drive-through.

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Wild about music

The sounds of battling Jedis and eerie, child-snatching witches filled Flathead High School auditorium along with hundreds of elementary students from around the valley who went “Wild about Music” on Friday during a Glacier Symphony concert.

State of disaster declared

A state of disaster was declared Friday for the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and in Glacier and Lincoln counties in response to a series of winter storms that dumped record amounts of snow over portions of northwest Montana this month.

Glacier corridor reopens to vehicle and rail traffic

Traffic was allowed to resume along U.S. 2 between Essex and East Glacier Friday afternoon after a winter storm shut down the mountain corridor for the second time this week.

Glacier's Burnham sets school mark at state swim

GREAT FALLS — Nate Burnham, a senior at Glacier High School, broke the school record in the preliminaries of the 500 freestyle on Friday at the Montana State All-Class Swim Meet at the Great Falls High Pool.

Rademacher knocks down 6 3s as Glacier rolls by Capital

Brec Rademacher was on target from long range, scoring a game-high 18 points to lead Glacier to a 55-40 Western AA boys basketball victory Friday night over Helena Capital.

Flathead's Hume making up for lost mat time at state

BILLINGS — Flathead junior Payton Hume was back in his element on Friday at the All- Class State Wrestling Tournament at the MetraPark.

Class A, B/C Eureka off to fast start

BILLINGS — Eureka continued its remarkable year with a dominant first day at the Montana All-Class State Wrestling Tournament on Friday, moving into first place in Class B/C over defending champ Colstrip.

Class AA Braves 'in driver's seat'

BILLINGS — Flathead looked in championship form on the opening day of the Montana All-Class State Wrestling Tournament on Friday at the MetraPark.

Polson boys, Bigfork girls net hoop wins

POLSON — Matthew Rensvold posted a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds as Class A Polson notched its seventh straight win by beating Class B Bigfork 62-34 on Thursday evening in a nonconference boys basketball contest.

Swimmers finish prep season in Great Falls

Nate Burnham of Glacier and Colton Babcock of Columbia Falls will close out their stellar prep swim careers today and Saturday with the all-class state meet at the Great Falls High School pool.

Braves, Lions eye state titles

By DAVID LESNICK

Esther G. Hand, 88

Esther Gabrielson Hand passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She succumbed to a stroke.

Montana legislator asserts voter fraud in pushing ID law

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana legislator seeking to toughen the state's voter ID law alleged Thursday that voter fraud is occurring at polling places across the state, as opponents sought to kill the bill as an unnecessary barrier to voting.

Half a dozen horses running wild

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding six horses running back and forth on the highway near Ponderosa Lane toward Kalispell. The horses sprinted south down the highway into the northbound lane, and were later coralled and returned to where they belong.

Proposal hopes to support low-income students

State lawmakers are considering a bill to create a tuition grant program for students in two-year, tribal and community colleges who feel the weight of rising costs in higher education.

Glacier corridor closed again

All traffic was shut down Thursday on U.S. 2 between Essex and East Glacier after a 200-foot-wide natural avalanche rolled through the area.

Valentine's in the Valley

Tuesday is Valentine’s Day.

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The area known simply as “The Canyon” has a quite the reputation.

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The area known simply as “The Canyon” has a quite the reputation.

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I would like to respond to the editorial in the Jan. 29 Daily Inter Lake regarding the Retired Senior Volunteer Program not being renewed. The editorial had some misinformation in it.

Hillary Clinton's 'Future Is Female' femme-a-goguery

All that was missing from Hillary Clinton’s video address to a left-wing women’s group this week was a pink pussyhat and a “BOYS SUCK” T-shirt.

Trumbull Creek easement is great news

A 7,068-acre conservation easement in Trumbull Creek north of Columbia Falls was given a final signature of approval last week. Add that to the 3,022 acres in nearby Haskill Basin protected in a similar transaction last fall, and it equals a win-win for the entire Flathead Valley.

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I would like to respond to the editorial in the Jan. 29 Daily Inter Lake regarding the Retired Senior Volunteer Program not being renewed. The editorial had some misinformation in it.

Pistorese plowing path for new year

Baseball season never looked so cold.

Woman suspects neighbor of cat-napping

One of a woman’s three cats was reported missing after her neighbor allegedly threatened to kill them, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

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Ayla Ann Lee Stumpf, daughter of Tiffany Ann Lea Stumpf, was born Nov. 16 at North Valley Hospital.

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Ayla Ann Lee Stumpf, daughter of Tiffany Ann Lea Stumpf, was born Nov. 16 at North Valley Hospital.

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Ayla Ann Lee Stumpf, daughter of Tiffany Ann Lea Stumpf, was born Nov. 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Local protesters upset over GOP silence of Warren

About 30 people gathered to demonstrate outside of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines’ Kalispell office Wednesday afternoon to express their concerns about the Senate Republican majority vote Tuesday to silence U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

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Snow-loaded roofs of concern

Rain and snow expected this week falling on top of a deep snowpack across the valleys of northwest Montana is cause for concern for homeowners, according to local weather authorities.

'Weak but durable growth' to continue

Economic experts at the Economic Outlook Seminar in Kalispell on Tuesday sumarized the national economy for 2016 as “weak but durable growth” — a trend expected to continue throughout 2017.

Flathead High senior honored with service award

Flathead High School senior Sophia Skwarchuk was named one of Montana’s top two youth volunteers by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Legislation aims to bridge wage gap

Citing studies ranking Montana’s women near the bottom of nationwide wage earnings compared to men, a Missoula lawmaker on Tuesday presented legislation she said would help bridge the state’s wage gap.

Workforce housing proposal stalled

The Whitefish City Council on Monday put the brakes on a proposal to allow workforce housing in the city’s business district.

Industrial zone created near landfill

A proposal to change the zoning on nearly 12 acres of land near the county landfill from suburban agriculture to light industrial highway zoning got a favorable nod from the Flathead County commissioners on Monday.

Critics take fight to Capitol

Legislation introduced to the Montana Senate on Tuesday would place a new requirement before the controversial proposal to build a water bottling facility in Creston — one of several methods local citizens are employing in an attempt to halt the project.

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Proposal addresses unpaid child support

In an attempt to chip away at a statewide child-support backlog totaling $147 million, the Legislature is considering a bill that would prohibit those who owe payments from hunting and fishing in the state.

Flu-related deaths on the rise

According to a new report from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, six Montanans have died due to flu-related illnesses so far this season — three of which occurred in Flathead County, according to local health department officials.

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While much attention is being paid to our state’s physical infrastructure, so, too, are basic community-based mental-health services crumbling beneath our feet.

Zinke should embrace stewardship

Secretaries of the interior are called to be public stewards. On behalf of all Americans, they oversee our great national heritage of forests, grasslands, fisheries, national parks, wildlife, waterways and mineral wealth.

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While much attention is being paid to our state’s physical infrastructure, so, too, are basic community-based mental-health services crumbling beneath our feet.

Skiers enjoy powder days; avalanche warnings in effect

While the weekend’s severe winter storm made for hazardous road conditions in Northwest Montana and created extreme avalanche danger in high-elevation areas, skiers and snowboarders received three days of deep powder at local ski areas.

Doctors ask for statewide approach to patient care

Kalispell doctors are keeping their eyes on a state legislative bill that would set goals for how health facilities provide care to patients with a chronic illness beyond filling their immediate medical needs.

Man reflects on life as a centenarian

Living to be 100 is still considered newsworthy in most places. Prestige Assisted Living announced that within the last month, three of its residents have turned 101.

James E. Hawley, 76

“A simply wonderful life” is how one would describe the life of James E. Hawley, who died on Jan. 31, 2017, at approximately 18:50 at Kalispell Regional.

Cops respond to clogged toilets, stolen cash

A Whitefish business employee called Flathead County Sheriff’s Office after someone allegedly entered the facility, clogged the toilets and stole employees’ tip money.

Local traffic allowed along U.S. 2 to Essex

3 p.m. update

Schools closed; emergency travel only; U.S. 2 blocked at West Glacier

Icy highways and blowing snow on Monday morning have led to a winter driving emergency across Northwest Montana.

Kalispell City Council to vote on business district

With the Kalispell Business Improvement District set to expire, the Kalispell City Council will vote tonight on whether to expand its boundaries.

Music promoter sees lively future in Kalispell

For a guy who got into the business by “complete accident,” Kenny Stiffler has big plans for reviving the long-dormant downtown Kalispell music scene.

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• AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.

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• AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.

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• AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.

Our justice system demands openness

In a bit of parliamentary shenanigans our lawmakers are so good at, a state House of Representatives committee has cavalierly amended a bill to do exactly the opposite of what it was intended to do.

Don't let pet peeves turn to road rage

I don’t condone any type of road rage — or traffic tantrums as they’re also called — even if it’s as slight as shaking your finger at another driver. There’s no place for verbal insults or physical threats directed at a fellow motorist.

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Glacier Bancorp reports 4th quarter earnings up

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Glacier Bancorp reports 4th quarter earnings up

Why Winston Churchill belongs in the Oval Office

On Friday, Jan. 27, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May will lend a bust of Winston Churchill to President Donald Trump, which will stand in the Oval Office as a symbol of the strength of the relationship between the U.K. and the U.S.

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My wife and I are summer residents of Lakeside, having purchased a cabin there in 2006.

Bigfork vacation rentals – a blessing or a curse?

When my spouse and I bought our 20-acre property in Bigfork, we thought we had found just the right place to both raise our children and also retire.

Water-bottling plant puts risk on neighbors

In my opinion, if the Montana Artesian Water Company is allowed to commence operations, many wells on the inter-connected shallow, intermediate and deep aquifers will eventually go dry. Because this will occur gradually over years and decades, it may be difficult to see the company’s impending pumping of the deep aquifer as a critical and pressing issue. The issue, however, is brought into jarring and painful focus by examining the potential drilling cost of $5,100 to $6,800 per new well and the cumulative drilling costs to the Flathead Valley in the tens of millions of dollars.

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My wife and I are summer residents of Lakeside, having purchased a cabin there in 2006.

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Glacier Bancorp reports 4th quarter earnings up

A century of football: The 'ideal' and risk of 'decadence'

The Super Bowl will be played today between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. Longtime readers of this column will know that, as a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan, I had hoped for a different outcome even before the game is played.

Glacier boys grab 1st place from Sentinel

The Daily Inter Lake

Eureka B/C mat champs, has 7 individual winners

MatCats claim 5th straight Western A divisional title

DILLON — Columbia Falls rules again in Western A divisional wrestling.

Flathead has 7 champs, qualifies 22 for state wrestling

The Daily Inter Lake

Plungers raise $51,000 for Special Olympics

From foxes in socks to cats in hats, 300 participants took an icy dip at the Penguin Plunge at Whitefish’s City Beach on Saturday.

Extreme snowstorm targets the Flathead; 24-30 inches possible

Weather experts are predicting an extreme snowfall event for northwest Montana on Sunday and Monday unlike any the region has seen in decades.

Gunning to be king of the desert

Two years ago, Marty Mann and Tom More drove the more than 1,200 miles from their homes in Kalispell to Johnson Valley, California, to see the fabled King of the Hammers off-road endurance race for the first time.

Ralph Burton Holmquist Jr., 55

Ralph Burton Holmquist Jr. passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2017. He passed away after a short battle with large cell lymphoma.

Michael James St. Peter, 53

Michael James St. Peter, 53, passed away on Jan 18, 2017, after 12 days in the Tufts Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, Boston. Michael suffered a severe brain injury after choking on food while at a local jazz bar/restaurant near his apartment in Boston’s South End. He was surrounded by family and close friend Sarah Ahearn with recordings of his own musical arrangements playing in the background providing comfort for family and medical staff.

Linda Rae (Nelson) Spencer, 74

Linda Rae (Nelson) Spencer, 74, a longtime resident of the Whitefish area, died Jan. 29, 2017, at Diamond Retirement Living in Henderson, Nevada. She and Ronald G. Spencer were married for 25 years, and he departed this life roughly two years ago.

Janet Kerr Mohn, 94

On Jan. 27, 2017, Janet Kerr Mohn “entered into eternal life.” In keeping with her independent and determined spirit, she chose to tell this brief story of her life.

Sydnie Ann Hale Watson, 77

Sydnie Ann Hale Watson was born in Whitefish on March 1, 1939, to Arnold and Ann Hale. She graduated from Whitefish High School and was a graduate of Montana State University. Sydnie held a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology as well as a Master of Science degree in immunology that she earned from California State University.

Barbara Kemler, 85

Barbara “Barb” Kemler, 85, passed away Jan. 11, 2017, with her family by her side.

Man reportedly approached by 'evil man'

The Whitefish Police Department received a report of someone being approached by an Islamic radical allegedly claiming to be “here to kill as many Americans as possible.” The person reportedly attempted to “convert him to Jesus,” but the radical allegedly told him that he “was an evil man.”

Agency sues state over alleged fraud, breach of contract

Montana Peaks, a Flathead Valley-based human services agency, is suing the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services over allegations of fraud, breach of contract and negligence in the state’s dealings with the agency.

Heavirland helps U.S. into Sydney 7s final

SYDNEY — Whitefish’s Nicole Heavirland played a key part in helping the U.S. women’s national sevens rugby team reach the finals of the HSBC Sydney Sevens Cup on Saturday, setting up a pair of tries in a 19-12 semifinal victory over New Zealand.

Bulldogs claw past Corvallis

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish boys found their form in the second half against Corvallis, scoring 22 fourth quarter points to rally for a 55-50 Class A nonconference basketball victory on Friday.

C-Falls has 9 in semis, Polson 7 at Western A divisional wrestling

The Daily Inter Lake

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Virtual learners

A trip to Egypt and tour of Ramesses VI’s tomb was on the itinerary for Hedges Elementary third-graders in Brooke Samson’s class Thursday.

7,068-acre easement finalized

A $9.5 million, 7,068-acre conservation easement has been finalized for the Trumbull Creek area north of Columbia Falls, the Trust for Public Land and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Park announced Friday.

Gaming degree pushes students further into tech world

Instructors are expanding the doorway for students interested in the world of technology as they create a new Flathead Valley Community College degree around programming and game design.

Man in pj's spends night in lobby

Authorities picked up a man wearing his pajamas and no shoes on his porch after he was allegedly locked out of his apartment by his girlfriend because of an argument between the couple. According to the Kalispell Police Department, the man spent the night in the lobby of the police station after authorities were reportedly unable to contact his girlfriend.

Carnival gets a serving of Seuss

Sneetches, Wockets and Nizzards will march alongside the yetis, penguins and divas at the 58th annual Whitefish Winter Carnival this Saturday.

Senate panel advances bill addressing air ambulance costs

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Senate committee has advanced legislation that would prevent patients from receiving huge bills from air ambulance providers that are not in-network with their insurance plans.

Not all refugees are welcome

For years, left-wingers would contest my use of the term “open borders lobby” because, they sternly rebuked me, nooooobody in America seriously believes in open borders.

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I wrote the following letter to Rep. John Lewis on Jan. 18, when he announced he would not be attending the inauguration.

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I wrote the following letter to Rep. John Lewis on Jan. 18, when he announced he would not be attending the inauguration.

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I wrote the following letter to Rep. John Lewis on Jan. 18, when he announced he would not be attending the inauguration.

Glacier glides past Braves, 57-41

By JOSEPH TERRY

Wolfpack girls slug Flathead

By JOSEPH TERRY

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COLUMBIA FALLS — Kiara Burlage led a balanced Class A Columbia Falls offense with 19 points as the Wildkats cruised by Class B Bigfork 63-21 in nonconference girls basketball play Thursday evening.

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COLUMBIA FALLS — Kiara Burlage led a balanced Class A Columbia Falls offense with 19 points as the Wildkats cruised by Class B Bigfork 63-21 in nonconference girls basketball play Thursday evening.

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COLUMBIA FALLS — Kiara Burlage led a balanced Class A Columbia Falls offense with 19 points as the Wildkats cruised by Class B Bigfork 63-21 in nonconference girls basketball play Thursday evening.

Push for state wrestling starts this weekend

By DAVID LESNICK

Bigfork lawmaker to propose houseboat regs

POLSON — With local and state agencies scratching their heads over how and whether to regulate houseboats on Flathead Lake, a Bigfork lawmaker plans to introduce a bill to give the state authority over the floating homes.

Weekend storm to bring snow, rain

A potent Pacific weather system is expected to bring a mixed bag of precipitation to the Flathead Valley this weekend while area mountains could get a much-needed dose of fresh snow.

Rayna Marie (Ball) Larsen, 75

Rayna Marie (Ball) Larsen, 75, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, after a long battle with cancer.

Two Bear benefactor now a crew member

There was nothing particularly out of the ordinary about the mission the Two Bear Air rescue helicopter completed early Sunday morning north of Priest Lake, Idaho.

Bullock to lawmakers: Cut your own spending first

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock used his veto power Thursday to send a message to lawmakers: Cut your own spending before reducing other government agencies' budgets.

Montana Senate endorses anti-Sharia law bill

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Senate has given initial approval to bill to prevent state judges from applying foreign laws in their courtrooms.

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Lingerie trunk show staged in Whitefish this weekend

A Whitefish entrepreneur is kicking off the Valentine’s Day season with a lingerie and gift trunk show today and Saturday in Whitefish.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 2

'The Laramie Project'

Glacier High School’s Wolfpack Theatre Co. will perform “The Laramie Project,” a story based around the heinous 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, Feb. 3 and 4 at 6:33 p.m. at the high school.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 2

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So Dana Scranton, where did the name Herald the Hark come from?

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So Dana Scranton, where did the name Herald the Hark come from?

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THURSDAY, FEB. 2

Speedy 'Cat heading to Griz

Braxton Reiten had one of the most remarkable senior seasons in the history of football in the Flathead Valley.

Flathead, Glacier hoops square off with lots on the line

The first crosstown basketball meetings of the year tip off tonight at Glacier High School.

Voisin a top qualifier for U.S. Grand Prix

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. — Whitefish skier Maggie Voisin was one of the top qualifiers for this weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.

Milo Yiannopoulos' UC Berkeley talk canceled

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — A talk at the University of California at Berkeley by Milo Yiannopoulos, a Breitbart News editor, was canceled Wednesday out of safety concerns after anti-fascist and socialist protesters hurled smoke bombs, broke windows and started a bonfire.

Plea made for county pawn ordinance

A Kalispell couple whose home was burglarized twice during the past year have asked the Flathead County commissioners to consider a countywide pawn-shop measure that would work in tandem with the city of Kalispell’s ordinance, which requires pawn and secondhand shops to use online software to connect their inventory to the police department.

County, cities search for 911 center funding

How to pay for the Flathead County consolidated 911 dispatch center resurfaced as a major issue this week when the county and its incorporated cities met to revise the county’s 911 interlocal agreement.

FVCC Chef's Table events to begin Friday

The students of the Culinary Institute of Montana at Flathead Valley Community College will present several Chef’s Table events this spring in the FVCC culinary kitchen.

Flathead Basin Commission meets today

Members of the Flathead Basin Commission will hold a meeting at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.